Catherine's Episode

Ah... Ah-choo!

Are you alright, Swordbringer?

Ah... I can still hold on... Ah-choo!

You don't have to push yourself. The cold of Isiel is too much for someone used to warmer places.

There's no need to help, so once you're done, just head back.

I can't do that. The work of the alliance is my duty. Only when Isiel functions properly can we expect to be of any assistance... Achoo!

I didn't know you were so loyal.

I need to finish this adventure quickly so I can head back. By the way, it's so bleak here... everyone looks worn out.

It's because of the coup.

A coup?

...You don't need to know. Are you really not going to leave?

I told you, didn't I? Achoo! I'm going to clean up somehow before I leave.

In that case... do as you please. I won't refuse.

Yeah. By the way... Achoo!

...Could you get me something to cover up?

Cover the rags scattered along the road.

She's cold...

Phew, I've cleared the entrance for now. Doing snow removal after such a long time feels like a good workout.

Now, what's next...

Shall we tidy up the cold-hearted queen's chambers?

Hup! Let's do this!

...!

Swordbringer! You, an outsider, don't need to clean up places like this.

I'm doing it because I want to, so don't worry about it. Ugh... Achoo!

First, it's better to make sure there's a clear path for the carriages.

...!

Swordbringer... What are you doing? You're not planning to clean up that area too, are you...?

Oh, I was just hanging around without thinking, but it caught my eye. It seemed like it would be uncomfortable for people to walk through.

I appreciate the kindness, but you don't have to go so far. The snow will pile up again soon enough.

Oh, right...

Phew... This should be enough, right?

Good job. If you're done, come to my office.

Thanks for your hard work.

This is tea made from roots of a tree that only grows in the north. It'll warm you up, so drink it.

I guess after working hard, the Queen has softened up quite a bit.

...It's just your imagination.

Haha, anyway, I'll gratefully drink it.

Gulps... Phew... I feel like I'm coming back to life.

...You're such a strange person.

Hm? What do you mean?

You only came to visit as part of the alliance's regular report, right? Why are you so invested?

Is it because of the people you left behind back home...? You want to return quickly?

Hmm... That's part of it, but it's not the whole reason.

Then what?

Everyone wants this war to end. I've heard many stories from the people I met along this long journey.

I don't have special affection for every single one of them, but if I want to go back, I have to end this war... That's where our understanding aligns.

The Kingdom of Isiel is part of that, isn't it? That's why I can't just stand by.

I see. So you're working harder because your goal is shared by so many others.

That's about it.

Because of me?

The heart of Isiel is, after all, Catherine.

The kingdom needs to regain its vitality, so Catherine can have some breathing room, and then it'll be a great help to the alliance's activities.

Hmm. So it's for the greater good...

You want to bring warmth back to the Queen, who's always cold... No, maybe it's pride too.

...You're a bit nosy.

I don't really get it, but... whatever the reason, you can't stay here much longer. Shouldn't you start preparing to leave soon?

Ah, about that...

Actually, while doing snow removal and cleaning, I found that the harbor has frozen over. This is some intense cold.

That's...

It seems like I'll have to stay a bit longer. I can't just freeload, so I'll make sure to work hard in that regard.

The tea was great. I'll ask for another cup next time!

Hmm, it's much easier to understand when you're offering to pull your weight. In that case, I won't refuse and will put you to work.

The path behind the castle leading to the lumberyard is blocked with snow. Head there.

Are you being picky about your work? I'm disappointed.

...I'll go to the lumberyard.

Swordbringer, you've already cleared everything?

Catherine... You came at just the right time. If you have any cold medicine... Ah-choo!

Let's head into the palace. I'll bring out some tea and medicine for you.

...Good job.

Catherine, thanks to you, I ate well and slept soundly.

Swordbringer...

What is it? Something wrong?

It looks like the grain storage has frozen over. That's a place Isiel Kingdom must protect at all costs...

Oh no! I'll go clear the snow and ice as much as I can. Catherine, prepare the fire and set it up around the area.

Got it.

Thank goodness. With this, we should be able to hold out for a while.

...I just can't understand.

About what?

Why is it freezing so quickly, and why is the snowstorm coming out of nowhere? Even if it's a cold region, this is happening too fast.

That's probably... because of the Tiamat Church's scheme and the devil's trickery.

I can accept the devil part, but the Tiamat Church...

They knew that if Isiel joined the alliance, it would become troublesome, so they're using the weather. A harsh winter is a powerful weapon.

Bad guys. Thanks to them, the Swordbringer brought here from another world is wielding a shovel, not a sword.

...Heh.

...?

Did you just laugh?

...I didn't hear that.

It's cold again. Hmm... I think you would look beautiful if she smiled.

Wh-what did you... say?

When a pretty person smiles, they become even more beautiful. The people probably want that, too.

I... I don't know about that...

It's better for everyone if you smile. Good things come from positivity.

But I...

I thought you were the one spreading coldness and using ice magic to make the kingdom so cold.

Even though Isiel Kingdom is going through an endless winter, if you smile warmly, the people will feel the warmth.

Then we'll be able to endure the challenges surrounding the kingdom of ice much better.

...

Now I understand why everyone is so inspired by you.

Huh? What do you mean?

It's nothing. But, if you've rested well, it's time to start working again.

Eh!? I'm exhausted from protecting the grain storage...!

That's one thing, but this is a separate matter. There are still many places in the kingdom that are desolate and cold.

It seems like your heart is cold, too... If possible, I'd like to clear away the snow from your heart as well.

I'll leave the village in your hands, Swordbringer.

Sigh... Alright.

The snowstorm has weakened, and the cold is definitely gone. It was worth the effort.

Yeah... Swordbringer, you did it.

We all did it together. Especially your powerful magic was a huge help in every part of the village.

My magic...?

...You're such an odd person.

Is that so...?

Yeah. You're like a fireplace... when there's no fire, you look bleak, but when you light the fire, you share that warmth with others.

That's a nice metaphor. I don't know if it's true, but just being praised by the queen makes me feel good.

If there were more people like you around me... things like the coup wouldn't have happened.

Catherine... Was there something that happened in your past?

It's just a common thing in royal families.

If you're comfortable, would you tell me? As a comrade, I'd like to understand the queen's situation.

...

...It's something from the past,

My father... the king's younger brother was swayed by the temptations of a villain and started a coup.

Because of that, my father passed away, and many of the retainers turned their backs on the royal family.

That's awful.

I asked for help everywhere, but no one reached out.

In the end, I used great magic to freeze everything and end the civil war.

I was alone since I was young, and I thought the magic and ice powers given to me were a curse.

That thought didn't change even when I suppressed the coup. I quelled blood with blood...

Catherine...

But...

After meeting you, my thoughts changed. Thanks to you telling me that my power is great, and that it has helped others...

I feel like my sad winter has ended.

From now on, I want to fight alongside you, Swordbringer.

But the one who's received help... is me as well.

What?

After enduring countless wars and battles, even when we were exhausted, we didn't give up because Isiel stood strong.

I've had many moments of despair and hardship, but every time I heard your tales of heroism, I was able to keep moving forward without losing hope.

At that moment, my winter was already over.

Swordbringer...

Somehow... it feels like warm spring has arrived.

Ha... haha, that's a little embarrassing. Well then, shall we start getting ready to head back?

Um, um...

Huh?

Let's meet again next time. Hehe...!

You're going to work yourself sick at this rate. Shouldn't you take it a little easier?

Swordbringer... long time no see.

Hm? You seem happy to see me. Maybe I should've come sooner.

Not particularly.

...You're one to talk. We received the supplies the Alliance sent.

Hm? Well, I have to keep moving if I want to stay alive...

Always so modest.

No, really, I'm moving around so I don't freeze to death...

What's this?

...It's nothing much.

Just... a small gift to commend the Swordbringer for all your hard work.

What's this, Katrin? You're hesitating for once... huh?

This is... ah!

You gave this to me to maintain my sword, right? It's cold out, so if something like monster fluids dries on it, the blade gets dull...

...

...No?

Hmm...

Then maybe... gloves...?

...

Not that either? It can't possibly be a sweater...

What?! Seriously? This is?

Is there a problem?

Well, the problem is, calling this a sweater is a bit...

I thought of what happened before and made it while you were away...!

So it was... a hand-knit sweater? Haha, no wonder it looked warm!

But... isn't the size a little strange? A sweater is that thing you wear on your upper body, right?

What else would it be...? Is it different in your country?

This little hole is... for a finger?

That's where your head goes.

What about the arms? It's missing a hole.

As I kept going, I only managed one side...

Forget a sweater, you couldn't even use this as a wool glove...

...

...is what you'd think, but this is more than enough! Yeah! I'll make sure to carry it with me around the outskirts of Isiel.

If you don't need it, throw it away. I don't care.

No way. I'll gratefully put it to good use!

Swordbringer, thank you for your hard work today as well.

Oh! Good timing, Katrin.

Hm? What is it...?

I was grateful for your gift the other day... so I prepared something for you too.

This clothing...? I've never seen anything like it here... Don't tell me you made this?

Of course. Ever since I started living in this world, my sewing skills have naturally improved too.

Well? Looks pretty good, doesn't it?

Hmm... impressive.

But somehow it's a little embarrassing. It doesn't seem to cover much, either...?

W-Well, the thing is... I was actually trying to make you a sweater too...

...!

Swordbringer, you're not taking revenge because my last gift wasn't good enough, are you?

Of course not. Hear me out.

I was going to make a sweater, but I didn't have enough materials or time.

And while I was working, picturing how proud and cool you are, Katrin... this is what it turned into...

You were thinking about me that much...?

But this is far too thin and short. Wearing it like this is a bit...

Ahem! Ahem!

It'd be a problem outside because it's cold, sure, but indoors it's fine, right? It should be pretty comfortable.

That's easy for you to say... Royalty has dignity to uphold.

...But I can't ignore the thought behind your gift.

Isn't this a bit too bare? You're not after something, are you?

N-No way! Like I just said, I was thinking about how proud and cool your figure is, Katrin...

Ah!

...

No excuses, Swordbringer.

How dare you pull something this brazen on your own...

...I can't just throw away a gift I was given.

Wait here a moment.

Mm.

Gah...! Katrin... th-that outfit...

No need to be so shocked... It's the outfit you gave me.

Y-You wanted to show me what it looked like on?

You made it for me, so shouldn't I show you at least once?

I don't exactly like it... but the Kingdom of Isiel was indebted to you before...

Katrin...

Dressed this embarrassingly... I can't say I understand it. So this is for today only.

I see. For a second, I thought you were so mad I'd be getting a public execution...

What?

Nothing...

More importantly, what does the creator think? Does it suit me...?

Of course it's perfect! I'd even want to keep seeing it from now on.

Swordbringer... do you like this kind of outfit?

Anyone can see how beautiful you are.

So whatever you wear looks good on you... I just thought it'd be nice if you tried something like this at least once.

Swordbringer... you...

Don't be so moved. Thanks to this, I got to indulge my own selfish desires too, haha...!

So the rumors about you being a pervert were true.

...That's what you meant.

Katrin, I worked hard to make this and gave it to you because I like you. There's no way I'd give something like this to a woman I didn't even like, right?

T-Then does that mean... you're confessing to me...?

Huh...? Ah... d-does it come off that way?

I just... meant that I'd always admired you, Katrin. You have great style, and such a cool image.

D-Don't say something so stupid.

I'm being serious...

...I don't exactly feel like it, but I'll accept your gift.

Oh... I'm honored you'll accept it.

I won't go around showing it off publicly, so don't get your hopes up.

O-Of course.

I just wanted you to be a little more comfortable. It's better to really relax when you're alone, right?

You were... being considerate of me?

You work hard all the time.

...

I couldn't even make you a proper sweater, and this is what you give me in return.

I suppose... I should repay you for this...?

Huh? Repay me...?

Stay still, Swordbringer.

This will only happen once.

K-Katrin...

This warmth is allowed only for you... the one who made me feel these strange emotions. I won't allow you to decline.